Thursday, September 6, 2012

MAC Pure Zen lipstick review + swatches

Recently MAC released the Cremesheen + Pearl collection, an Asian inspired collection of Cremesheen finish lipsticks and Cremesheen glosses. I was so excited about this release, as it was full of pretty light and nude colored lipsticks, which are so up my alley. Today I have a review of my first pick from the collection: MAC Pure Zen lipstick.

I'll admit that the name 'Pure Zen' was as much of a draw for me as the color. To me, the idea confers an old world sense of calmness and clarity that is ever elusive in modern life. Rather than showing images of stacked river rocks or circles in the sand, I thought I would share a different sort of photograph that I find to be Zen. It's of a statue of a mythical turtle in Gyeongbokgung (Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven) in Seoul, Korea. The completion of this palace marked the transfer of the Korean capitol to Seoul in 1395. The turtle is one of the statues that helped protect the king at the Gunjeongjeon, as he performed his official duties during the day. The stone turtle has been steadfastly guarding the palace for centuries. It's a quiet and interesting thought to meditate on when I'm feeling consumed by everyday life. In a more literal way, MAC Pure Zen lipstick can also remind me of steering my mind in a better direction during a hectic day.

MAC Pure Zen has a cremesheen formula. Cremesheen formulas typically have a semi-sheer finish with a sheen. They apply like a creme lipstick. Cremesheens aren't known to be the most comfortable formula; they can cause some lip dryness over time. The level of dryness does depend on the individual cremesheen lipstick. MAC Shy Girl has a notoriously dry formula, while I find Innocence Beware to be a bit more comfortable. MAC Pure Zen is reasonably comfortable as well, though it is helpful to apply a balm after a few hours.

I've compared MAC Pure Zen lipstick to the other MAC Cremesheen lipsticks in my collection. MAC Pure Zen lipstick is a light peachy pink nude lipstick. MAC Creme d'Nude (reviewed here) is a paler and cooler peach. MAC Innocence Beware is a similar lightness, but more pink than Pure Zen. MAC Shy Girl is slightly darker and more warm peach in color.

Overall, I'm a big fan of MAC Pure Zen. The peachy pink color is absolutely perfect and has favorite potential. Plus, every time I pull out the bullet, I'll remind myself to find some peace in the middle of a busy day. Thanks for reading! Did you purchase anything from the MAC Cremesheen + Pearl collection? What is your favorite MAC lipstick or finish? Have you ever used makeup to find some peace of mind in the middle of a busy day?

I haven't had the chance to see the collection in person yet, but I'm in the same boat as you - excited about all the lighter colors! I love how you use it to step back in the middle of a busy day... something I might have to try out as the school year gets underway! Thanks for another great review, Dovey! :D

Hi Amy, I always find that makeup is a good way to take a quick breather (for beauty addicts at least :D). I haven't seen the collection live, which is probably a good thing, but I've googled it a bunch of times!

I can imagine this looking very nice on you, Dovey! I own a couple of MAC lipsticks, and my favorite is Sweetie. My problem is that I got into Guerlain lipsticks a little too soon, and after that a lot of other formulas are just not quite there (lesson for the ladies out there: don't go to Guerlain unless you want to be stuck to this brand LOL)!

I actually don't mind Cremesheen lipsticks - I find them more comfortable than lustres and amplifieds, actually. This is such a Dovey color :) Some of the shades are really pretty, but overall I think they are maybe too pale for me. Although I have been getting into sheer lipsticks lately, so maybe I will pick one up sometime.

Hi Larie, Oh, very interesting! I thought Lustres should be more comfortable. I only have one amplified, but I haven't worn it in a long time and can't remember how I feel about it. I like how these are somewhat sheer, but not overly so

I think that colour would be perfect for me but I don't like mac lipsticks that much. My lips are in good condition now, so I might try them again I think. This colour looks like the perfect peachy pink, I still need some nice pale peachy pink colours, I think I have gone to crazy with all the reds, haha /Claire

Aw, now I really want to see that turtle in person. I was born in Seoul but haven't been back to visit since I was a wee child. I love the idea that the right piece of makeup can bring a sense of zen in your day.

hehe like Sunny, i recommend that you stay away from guerlain lol. I now can't buy any lipsticks except guerlain, burberry, or tom ford. Lol. I was never a huge fan of the mac formula for me anyway (too drying) which is a bummer, but at least I can save money! These shades ARE quite pretty, and I bet they are gorgeous on you :)

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Cute and Mundane is a chronicle of my love affair with art, beauty, and color. You'll find larger than life photographs, views, and reviews of my latest makeup, perfume, and skincare finds, plus tidbits from my everyday life and travels.